This is an exciting time for Education in Washington. For the first time in about 30years, there's finally a plan in front of our Legislature to change the way education is funded in our state. Below is some information that I encourage you all to read. Those of you who can participate in any or all of these activities will make a huge impression. I apologize for the late information and notice.
Want even more information on these topics? Visit http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm.
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
--------------------------------------------------------
Basic Education Funding
The Basic Education Financing Task Force (BEFTF) has released their report on what the Washington State education system needs. Now the legislature will be taking action on this report (available here: http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/joint/bef/FinalReport.pdf) and they need to hear from you.
Take 5 minutes right now and do something that will make a difference for your children, for all the children of Washington! http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/
Ask them to support the recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance! Remind them to keep education at the top of their thoughts this session. Remind them that funding education is the State's paramount duty stated directly in our State's constitution!
If you have any questions on either of these items, please contact Newport PTSA Leg Chairs Sally Caplan at sallycaplan@msn.com or Scott Allen at scottallen1@comcast.net.
Please read the information below From Kim Howard regarding hearings this week January 26-28th.
-------------------------------------
Bellevue Council Meeting – Barb Billinghurst
On February 2, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Bellevue PTSA Council will have its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the Bellevue School District offices in the Board Room.
This is important for you because we will have Barb Billinghurst speaking to us about HB 1410 and SB 5444--the two new critical-to-education bills that are being considered in Olympia right now. Ms. Billinghurst has been instrumental in the education reform process for years and will be able to answer all your questions about the bills and the process. This meeting is normally attended by our PTSA officers, but everyone is welcome.
The District office is at 12111 NE 1st St., Bellevue. Do not miss this time to have your questions answered. Connie Gerlitz, Council Leg. Chair
----------------------------------------
Washington State PTA Legislative Update
January 18, 2009
Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Grassroots Connection for the 2009 Legislative Session!
This week I am going to send you the Grassroots Connection in two parts in order to quickly make you aware of hearings regarding our top priority issue next week and how you can participate.
This past week companion bills (meaning that the language is the same in each one) were dropped in the House and HB 1410 the Senate SB 5444 which translate the report of the Basic Education Finance task force into bill language. The first committee hearings about these bills are scheduled for this week. PTA is in the process of reviewing the 100+ page bill and will provide testimony from the organization during these hearings. Legislators need to hear from you as well! Hearing schedules are at the end of this email. Please note that you would only testify at one of the two K-12 and Early Childhood education hearing times, although we would encourage attendance at all hearings as a show The second hearing of that group is simply a continuation of the first hearing.
1. We are encouraging as many members as possible from across the state to actually come to Olympia to attend these hearings in order to show legislators that many folks care about following up on the work of the task force. Legislators need to see and hear from their constituents.
2. Members are encouraged to briefly testify at these hearings. Tips for testimony are below.
3. Members who can not come to Olympia are strongly encouraged to write a note to their legislators and the Governor expressing why you care about developing a better funding system for public education. You can use our Cap-Wiz email system to send messages to your legislators. To very easily pull up all of the email addresses for your district, all you will need is your zip code. Follow the link. State Legislative Directory
4. You are also highly encouraged to call your legislators directly. If you can not speak to your legislator, leave a message with the staff person who answers. If you go to the link above to find your legislators, you will also find phone #s.
Again, members are encouraged to come to testify about why they see the need for education finance reform. I have attached the WSPTA position statement which includes WSPTA endorsement of the report from the task force, released this week. Here are a few suggestions for your testimony:
1. Members who wish to testify will need to show up early and sign in on a sheet which will be on a table just inside the hearing room. Look for the line-up to sign in.
2. When you are called to the front of the room, thank the chair of the committee and committee members for the opportunity to testify. (You will hear all others do this as well.)
3. Introduce yourself, by stating your name, that you are a PTA member and where you have come from. (It would be great if many areas of the state were represented.)
4. Provide brief testimony – prepare up to 90 seconds about why you feel that the education finance system needs reform. (We expect many people to want to testify. Brief testimony is the most effective way to maintain the attention and interest of the legislators.)
5. During your testimony, give specific examples of cuts your district has had to endure or program deficiencies and how this has affected your children.
6. Thank the committee at the end of your testimony.
7. Type up your testimony and bring 20 copies if possible. Hand the copies to committee staff (along the side of the room) after your testimony.
8. Please send me an email to let me know that you are coming. It will help our efforts to know who you are and where you are coming from. If you wish, share your testimony with me in advance via email.
Early Learning & K-12 Education* - 01/26/09 1:30 pm
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
REVISED 1/23/2009 4:55 PM
Public Hearing:
1. SB 5410 - Regarding the digital learning commons.
2. SB 5378 - Regarding accreditation of digital learning programs.
3. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Executive Session:
1. SB 5248 - Enacting the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children.
2. SB 5491 - Requiring school districts or educational service districts to purchase employee health insurance coverage through the state health care authority.
Early Learning & K-12 Education - 01/28/09 8:00 am
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
Public Hearing: Continuation from Monday's Hearing:
1. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Education Appropriations - 01/28/09 6:00 pm
Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA
Work Session: Basic Education Finance Task Force report.
Public Hearing: HB 1410 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of the children of our state. Kim
Kim Howard
Government Relations
Washington State PTA
2003 65th Ave. West
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-565-2153
253-241-7187 (cell)
khoward@wastatepta.org
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
On Thursday, January 15, Kate O'Sullivan, the wife of Newport Chemistry teacher Tim O'Sullivan and mom of Newport freshman Amanda O'Sullivan, lost her battle with cancer. I am certain that the family would be comforted to know that others in the Newport family are grieving with them. Messages of condolence and support can be sent to:
Tim O'Sullivan and family
12617 SE 42nd Street
Bellevue, WA 98006
-------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair and Assembly
Spring Sports Packets
January PTSA Meeting
Dessert Knight
Parent Information Night
BSD Calendar/Finals Schedule
Yearbook Announcement
Late AP Testing/Payment
Newport Reflection's Honorees
PTSA Focus Day
-------------------------------------------------------
Let me know if you have any questions!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair & Assembly
Elective Fair Thursday, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to tell you about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
Elective Assembly schedule: On Friday, January 23rd, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to visit four ten-minute presentations of the elective classes of their choice. Seniors should report to the Theater for a presentation regarding the transition to college.
--------------------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are now available for pick-up.
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Deadline February 27, 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
Wednesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library. General Membership Meeting. We will vote on our Nominating Committee.
-------------------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight is coming!
Mark your calendars now! On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Main Gym for a grade level (Junior) counselor presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------
New BSD Calendar/First Semester Finals Schedule
First Semester Finals Schedule for February 4, 5, and 6. The last day of school is June 25th. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar.
-------------------------------------------------------
Yearbook Announcement:
Students who wish to substitute their English names for their Ethnic names in the Yearbook need to complete a name change list in the main office by January 23rd.
-------------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
If your student has not yet registered for their AP exam, have them see Ms. Suppes in the Main Office. If your student has registered but not paid, please send payment in ASAP.
-------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
PTSA FOCUS DAY
Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities Thursday, February 26th.
This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.
Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.
Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2, Legislative Chair
Tim O'Sullivan and family
12617 SE 42nd Street
Bellevue, WA 98006
-------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair and Assembly
Spring Sports Packets
January PTSA Meeting
Dessert Knight
Parent Information Night
BSD Calendar/Finals Schedule
Yearbook Announcement
Late AP Testing/Payment
Newport Reflection's Honorees
PTSA Focus Day
-------------------------------------------------------
Let me know if you have any questions!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair & Assembly
Elective Fair Thursday, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to tell you about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
Elective Assembly schedule: On Friday, January 23rd, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to visit four ten-minute presentations of the elective classes of their choice. Seniors should report to the Theater for a presentation regarding the transition to college.
--------------------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are now available for pick-up.
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Deadline February 27, 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
Wednesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library. General Membership Meeting. We will vote on our Nominating Committee.
-------------------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight is coming!
Mark your calendars now! On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Main Gym for a grade level (Junior) counselor presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------
New BSD Calendar/First Semester Finals Schedule
First Semester Finals Schedule for February 4, 5, and 6. The last day of school is June 25th. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar.
-------------------------------------------------------
Yearbook Announcement:
Students who wish to substitute their English names for their Ethnic names in the Yearbook need to complete a name change list in the main office by January 23rd.
-------------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
If your student has not yet registered for their AP exam, have them see Ms. Suppes in the Main Office. If your student has registered but not paid, please send payment in ASAP.
-------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
PTSA FOCUS DAY
Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities Thursday, February 26th.
This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.
Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.
Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2, Legislative Chair
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
News & Updates for the New Year!
Who would have thought that after all of the snow we would be dealing with so much rain...
Lots of news and updates to start the new year!
Class of 2009 Fundraisers
Late AP Testing Registration
Tolo Pictures
ASPEN Team Information Meeting
Knights in Vienna
Elective Fair
January PTSA Meeting
New Action Alert from the Governor - Education Funding
BSF News
New school Calendar
-------------------------------------------------
With all of this rain, do you need an umbrella? Consider ordering one to help the Class of 2009 fundraising efforts for GradKnight while showing Newport spirit!
You can even help out for free by signing up for the Albertson's and Safeway e-script program. Visit http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/3/events.htm
Both of these fundraisers will be ours when our kids are seniors, so please support the efforts of the Class of 2009.
--------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
The final deadline for students who have not registered and/or paid for their AP Exams has been extended to this Friday January 9th due the recent snow days. To register, go to the Newport Web site. To pay, bring payment to the NHS accountant. Exams cost $86.00 per exam. Students seeking financial assistance should speak with the Dean of Students in the main office.
------------------------------------------------------------
Tolo Pictures
Tolo pictures will be handed out on Friday, January 9, during both lunches.
---------------------------------------------------
ASPEN
Is your student interested in being on the ASPEN Team for the 2009-2010 school year? Save the date of January 15th, 3:10 to 3:45, in room 3119, for a mandatory information meeting. You must attend to apply. If you can't make the meeting, you must see Ms. Velategui in 3119 at 12:40 on January 14th. ASPEN: AIDS Peer Education at Newport is an advanced Health class that focuses on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the world community. After extensive training, students deliver HIV/AIDS lessons to 9-12 graders at Newport and 10th graders at other high schools.
----------------------------------------------------------
Knights in Vienna
The Friends of Newport Orchestra are pleased to present Knights in Vienna, a spectacular evening of waltz and swing music, delicious desserts, and professional dance instruction.
The event will be held Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Commons and will feature performances by talented students from Newport High School and the Newport High School orchestra for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Dance instruction will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Bellevue.
A silent auction will be held in addition to the traditional raffle baskets. Some fabulous items have already been donated by local businesses and students:
Two nights at the Larkspur Landing Hotels in Bellevue
Dinner for six at the Outback Steakhouse
ACT theatre tickets
Dominos Pizza for one year
Amore gourmet chocolates
Dinner for 2 at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue
One night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Issaquah
Bow rehairing from David T. Stone Violins
University Book Store $25 gift certificate
Pasta & Co., cookbook & $25 gift certificate
And ... a string quartet for your event!
Knights in Vienna is incredibly fun every year for students and adults; you won't want to miss it!
Desserts and beverages will be served. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.newportorchestra.com through Saturday, January 10 for $25 (general admission) and $10 (student). A special table for eight next to the dance floor may be reserved in advance for $250. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30 (general admission) and $12 (student).
Proceeds from this event will benefit the outstanding Newport High School Orchestra Program.
--------------------------------------------------------
Electives
Students can come to the Elective Fair on January 20th and 22nd, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to talk about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
---------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
The January PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library.
------ ------------------------------------------------
New - Action Alert Message for the Governor – Follow the link below to take action today
After the Governor released her budget proposal, we shut down our earlier education funding alert, recognizing that we needed to update our message. (Approximately 350 people responded to this first alert.) We have created a new message (linked below) and again strongly encourage all, (even those who responded to the first alert) to complete it and to forward it on to your email lists.
We want to let our elected officials know that despite these very difficult times, there is work that can be done to lay the groundwork for a better education finance structure in the future. We are also expressing specific concern about the proposed 33% cuts to levy equalization money which would adversely affect those districts that already have less ability to raise local levy dollars. Click on the following link and Respond to the Governor's Budget Proposal Today!
State Launches Searchable Budget Website
Last week, following a press conference at the state capitol, the state released a new website that puts all state spending online in a searchable, easy-to-use format. Fiscal.wa.gov is an unprecedented step towards transparency and interactivity in government, and was called for by legislation passed during the 2008 legislative session. The legislation was based on WPC's research and recommendations in Creating a Free, Searchable Website of State Spending, published in December 2007. Read more about this in WPC's press release on the searchable budget website.
----- ---------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation News
Your donation making an impact across the district
Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, your generosity is impacting all students throughout the district. Here's an example of how your gift is making a difference in both mathematics and science this year…
Math Expressions: Every K-5 student is benefiting from the new Math Expressions curriculum that emphasizes math concepts, computational fluency and problem solving skills. Every student will be challenged to achieve in math with supplementary leveled instruction to support the spectrum of learners from ESL students to gifted young mathematicians.
Thanks to your support, BSF is providing $170,000 towards Math Expressions this year.
Today's Science: All middle and high school students are benefiting from an improved science curriculum, based upon the latest scientific and learning research, and professional development for teachers. Curriculum improvements to the science courses, including Physics in 8th Grade, Biology in 9th Grade and Chemistry in 10th Grade, will prepare every student to complete a college preparatory physics/biology/chemistry sequence by Grade 10 and be ready for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level science courses by Grade 11.
With your help, BSF is providing $150,000 towards the science curriculum advancements this year.
Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon
Mark your calendars now! The 21st Annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. More details to follow…
Amazon.com
It's easy to raise money for our schools while you shop at Amazon.com. Just go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website home page,www.bsfdn.org and click on the Amazon link. Amazon will donate over 7% of each sale to support Bellevue schools. Remember, you must go through the BSF website link for BSF to get credit for the order.
Thanks to you, Amazon donated over $4,790 to BSF for our students in 2008!
-------------------------------------------------
New School Year Calendar
The Bellevue School District has published a new calendar, adding the snow days to the end of the school year. First semester finals will be rescheduled (see below), and the semester will end on February 6. The last day of school is June 25. Other changes will be announced as we learn them. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar. www.bsd405.org
--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
Lots of news and updates to start the new year!
Class of 2009 Fundraisers
Late AP Testing Registration
Tolo Pictures
ASPEN Team Information Meeting
Knights in Vienna
Elective Fair
January PTSA Meeting
New Action Alert from the Governor - Education Funding
BSF News
New school Calendar
-------------------------------------------------
With all of this rain, do you need an umbrella? Consider ordering one to help the Class of 2009 fundraising efforts for GradKnight while showing Newport spirit!
You can even help out for free by signing up for the Albertson's and Safeway e-script program. Visit http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/3/events.htm
Both of these fundraisers will be ours when our kids are seniors, so please support the efforts of the Class of 2009.
--------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
The final deadline for students who have not registered and/or paid for their AP Exams has been extended to this Friday January 9th due the recent snow days. To register, go to the Newport Web site. To pay, bring payment to the NHS accountant. Exams cost $86.00 per exam. Students seeking financial assistance should speak with the Dean of Students in the main office.
------------------------------------------------------------
Tolo Pictures
Tolo pictures will be handed out on Friday, January 9, during both lunches.
---------------------------------------------------
ASPEN
Is your student interested in being on the ASPEN Team for the 2009-2010 school year? Save the date of January 15th, 3:10 to 3:45, in room 3119, for a mandatory information meeting. You must attend to apply. If you can't make the meeting, you must see Ms. Velategui in 3119 at 12:40 on January 14th. ASPEN: AIDS Peer Education at Newport is an advanced Health class that focuses on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the world community. After extensive training, students deliver HIV/AIDS lessons to 9-12 graders at Newport and 10th graders at other high schools.
----------------------------------------------------------
Knights in Vienna
The Friends of Newport Orchestra are pleased to present Knights in Vienna, a spectacular evening of waltz and swing music, delicious desserts, and professional dance instruction.
The event will be held Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Commons and will feature performances by talented students from Newport High School and the Newport High School orchestra for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Dance instruction will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Bellevue.
A silent auction will be held in addition to the traditional raffle baskets. Some fabulous items have already been donated by local businesses and students:
Two nights at the Larkspur Landing Hotels in Bellevue
Dinner for six at the Outback Steakhouse
ACT theatre tickets
Dominos Pizza for one year
Amore gourmet chocolates
Dinner for 2 at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue
One night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Issaquah
Bow rehairing from David T. Stone Violins
University Book Store $25 gift certificate
Pasta & Co., cookbook & $25 gift certificate
And ... a string quartet for your event!
Knights in Vienna is incredibly fun every year for students and adults; you won't want to miss it!
Desserts and beverages will be served. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.newportorchestra.com through Saturday, January 10 for $25 (general admission) and $10 (student). A special table for eight next to the dance floor may be reserved in advance for $250. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30 (general admission) and $12 (student).
Proceeds from this event will benefit the outstanding Newport High School Orchestra Program.
--------------------------------------------------------
Electives
Students can come to the Elective Fair on January 20th and 22nd, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to talk about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
---------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
The January PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library.
------ ------------------------------------------------
New - Action Alert Message for the Governor – Follow the link below to take action today
After the Governor released her budget proposal, we shut down our earlier education funding alert, recognizing that we needed to update our message. (Approximately 350 people responded to this first alert.) We have created a new message (linked below) and again strongly encourage all, (even those who responded to the first alert) to complete it and to forward it on to your email lists.
We want to let our elected officials know that despite these very difficult times, there is work that can be done to lay the groundwork for a better education finance structure in the future. We are also expressing specific concern about the proposed 33% cuts to levy equalization money which would adversely affect those districts that already have less ability to raise local levy dollars. Click on the following link and Respond to the Governor's Budget Proposal Today!
State Launches Searchable Budget Website
Last week, following a press conference at the state capitol, the state released a new website that puts all state spending online in a searchable, easy-to-use format. Fiscal.wa.gov is an unprecedented step towards transparency and interactivity in government, and was called for by legislation passed during the 2008 legislative session. The legislation was based on WPC's research and recommendations in Creating a Free, Searchable Website of State Spending, published in December 2007. Read more about this in WPC's press release on the searchable budget website.
----- ---------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation News
Your donation making an impact across the district
Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, your generosity is impacting all students throughout the district. Here's an example of how your gift is making a difference in both mathematics and science this year…
Math Expressions: Every K-5 student is benefiting from the new Math Expressions curriculum that emphasizes math concepts, computational fluency and problem solving skills. Every student will be challenged to achieve in math with supplementary leveled instruction to support the spectrum of learners from ESL students to gifted young mathematicians.
Thanks to your support, BSF is providing $170,000 towards Math Expressions this year.
Today's Science: All middle and high school students are benefiting from an improved science curriculum, based upon the latest scientific and learning research, and professional development for teachers. Curriculum improvements to the science courses, including Physics in 8th Grade, Biology in 9th Grade and Chemistry in 10th Grade, will prepare every student to complete a college preparatory physics/biology/chemistry sequence by Grade 10 and be ready for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level science courses by Grade 11.
With your help, BSF is providing $150,000 towards the science curriculum advancements this year.
Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon
Mark your calendars now! The 21st Annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. More details to follow…
Amazon.com
It's easy to raise money for our schools while you shop at Amazon.com. Just go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website home page,www.bsfdn.org and click on the Amazon link. Amazon will donate over 7% of each sale to support Bellevue schools. Remember, you must go through the BSF website link for BSF to get credit for the order.
Thanks to you, Amazon donated over $4,790 to BSF for our students in 2008!
-------------------------------------------------
New School Year Calendar
The Bellevue School District has published a new calendar, adding the snow days to the end of the school year. First semester finals will be rescheduled (see below), and the semester will end on February 6. The last day of school is June 25. Other changes will be announced as we learn them. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar. www.bsd405.org
--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
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